About Us

About Mastin Dojo

Our goal is to train champion individuals to excel in any situation through traditional study of Matsubayashi-Ryu karate. Mastin Dojo is a family-oriented environment and maintains small, intimate classes with top quality instruction to produce top quality students.

About Our Teachers

Scott Mastin, Kyoshi 7th Dan

(pictured with his son Brandon 7/14/12)

Scott Mastin Sensei, was promoted during his visit to Okinawa to the rank of Roku Dan (6th degree black belt) with a teaching title of Renshi. He became the youngest American to ever be awarded this rank by Soke Nagamine. On the same trip in November 2010, he had the opportunity to teach at the Honbu dojo that was established by O’Sensei Shoshin Nagamine in 1953. This was a tremendous honor and a life changing experience. Mastin Sensei has made several trips to Okinawa to further his training. During the 2017 visit to Okinawa, Mastin Sensei participated in the promotion testing and was award the Rank of Nana Dan (7th degree blackbelt) with the title of Kyoshi.

He was introduced to karate and martial arts at age 4. Mastin Sensei became more serious about his study of Matsubayashi-Ryu during his teenage years, and began teaching at age 21. In addition to Matsubayashi-Ryu, Mastin Sensei is trained in Yamani Chinen-Ryu (Okinawan weapon arts) and has studied Tai Chi. Mastin Sensei was a direct student under Soke Takayoshi Nagamine, and is licensed to teach by the World Matsubayashi-Ryu (Shorin-Ryu) Karate-Do Association . Mastin Sensei has been fortunate to have trained in many of the Matsubayashi Ryu dojo’s in Okinawa. Mastin Sensei began teaching in the early 90’s and took over the Silverton dojo in 1995. Mastin Sensei founded the Mastin Dojo in 1999.

Mastin Sensei received all of his rank from Okinawa. His first and second Dan were reissued by Soke Nagamine. ( they originally came from a different Okinawan instructor). Nagamine Sensei promoted Mastin Sensei for the ranks of San Dan through Roku Dan with the title of Renshi. The latest rank of Nana Dan with title of Kyoshi was issued during his 2017 trip to Okinawa by the WMKA testing board.

Even though Mastin Sensei still works during the day with his outside career. He still teaches many of the classes at the dojo. “Teaching and helping others is my passion” – “You must lead by example” – “Never ask your students to do something that you can not do yourself” are all statements that he tries to instill in all of his black-belts and instructors.

Mastin Sensei has written 4 books with criteria specific directions for each belt level. The instruction and books cover all age groups from the 4 year old Little Ninja Student to the Blackbelt Adult Students.

Things covered are: stances, blocks, strikes (kicks, punches, elbows, and knees), 18 Traditional Kata, 7 Traditional Yakusoku kumites with all variations and advanced Yakusoku kumites, over 300 self defense holds, locks, grabs, throws, escapes, take-downs, Goal setting, fitness, stamina and endurance training and many other areas.

John Mitchell, 5th Dan and Life Long Friend

Sensei John Mitchell passed away in September of 2011.

He is forever in our hearts.

Sensei John Mitchell, was promoted to the rank of Godan (5th degree black belt) during his visit to Okinawa in November of 2010. He began his martial arts career at age 13 with the study of Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo. He began practicing Matsubayashi-Ryu karate-do over 25 years ago, and also trained in Aikido and Matsu Tai Chi.

Sensei Mitchell had over 15 years of experience teaching Matsubayashi-Ryu, and had been a part of the dojo since 1996.

Notes for Curtis Mitchell about his late brother, Sensei John Mitchell

Scott,

On behalf of my family, I would like to thank you so very much for your remarks at the service for John. You helped us get through what was undoubtedly the most darkest day in our lives. As you console us, allow me to console you for the loss of your best friend. Your friendship meant the world to Johnny. He cherished every moment of it. When Johnny mentioned your name, it was always “My friend Scott” or “Me and my friend Scott.” And believe me he spoke of you often! The immeasurable time he spent with you, your family and the students at the dojo was so gratifying to him. Your final tribute to John was sending your black belt into eternity with him. It was the ultimate final honor by a truly loyal friend and Sensei. We should all have a friend like my brother John had in you!

Again, Thank you so very much.

Curtis Mitchell

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“For the past 51 years we have had the blessing and pleasure of being related to Johnny. He was and will remain a very special part of our family. His passing has left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. We are forever grateful to each and every one of you for the outpouring of love, respect, kind words and honor expressed at his memorial service. You gently confirmed what we knew for the past half century…that he was indeed a special man, son, brother, uncle, friend and Sensei. His smile touched many people. May the

Jeff Reasoner, 3rd Dan (Assistant Instructor)

Mr. Reasoner began studying karate at the Mastin Dojo and has been a very dedicated practitioner of Matsubayashi Ryu. Mr. Reasoner has studied and attended training seminars, classes and events in the United States, Canada, Germany and Okinawa.

Mr. Reasoner has been a true asset to the dojo and has helped out, managed and oversees the website, maintenance at the dojo and instructs classes.

Chris Edelen, 4th Dan(Assistant Instructor)

Chris Edelen has been involved with the martial arts since an early age. He has studied more than one discipline. He is also a high school teacher. He has been friends with Mastin Sensei for 4 decades. Mr. Edelen is know for his fun, funny and informative classes.

TAI CHI – Chief Instructor

Dr. Larry C. Bobbert has been practicing martial arts for nearly 50 years. He’s studied several styles, has Black Belts in Aikido (Nidan), rank in two styles of karate and arnis and 25 years practicing Tai Chi that included two trips to China. He includes Qi Gong (breathing) which he believes is an integral part of both aikido and tai chi. For several years Dr. Bobbert taught Stress Management through Tai chi Exercises at Eastern Kentucky University. He began in Ohio at the West Chester Activity Center with Partners in Prime. Currently he teaches at the Countryside YMCAs in Lebanon, Landon and Otterbein; Mount Pleasant Retirement Village in Monroe and Gracetree Yoga Studios in West Chester. He developed No Nonsense Self Defense for young people who need to cope with bullies and be aware of adults who might harm them. The process began when he was approached to develop training for Public Safety personnel. While watching young people practice martial arts Dr. Bobbert became aware that it would take them years to be proficient enough to defend themselves. Teens, preteens and adults need techniques that are simple to learn, effective in emergencies and don’t take years to master. He developed No Nonsense Self Defense and added classes for those who need to protect others in Simply Self Defense – Protect and Control. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Cincinnati, Masters at Wayne State University and BS at Clarion University. He has given presentations in 34 states and 4 continents.